Stool or Table Tribal Albasia Whitewash

A solid albasia wood stool from Indonesia, whitewashed to a pale, chalky finish that lets the grain show through. It sits equally well as a low seat, a side table, or a plinth for a trailing plant, the kind of piece that earns its place by being quietly useful in more than one way.

What it is

Albasia is a fast-growing timber from the Indonesian archipelago, light in weight but with a close, even grain that takes a whitewash well. The finish here is pale and matte, softening the natural warmth of the wood without hiding its texture. Each piece will vary slightly in grain pattern and tone, that is the nature of solid wood, not a flaw.

How it works in a room

• As a plant stand, the pale finish recedes and lets foliage read clearly against it, a good choice for a dark-leafed monstera or a trailing pothos.
• Beside a bed or sofa, it holds a book, a glass, and a candle without crowding the space.
• In a hallway, it gives a bag or a key bowl somewhere to land, and the tribal form adds a sculptural note even when it is empty.
• The whitewash sits comfortably alongside natural linen, raw ceramics, and rattan, the palette of a slow, considered interior.
• Its weight of 6.5 kg means it stays put without being difficult to move when you want to rearrange.

The wood and finish

Albasia (Falcataria moluccana) is grown across Java and Sulawesi, where its rapid growth makes it a practical choice for furniture and craft. It is lighter than teak or mango wood, with a fine, consistent grain. The whitewash is applied to the surface rather than painted over it, so the wood's natural markings remain visible beneath, a finish that suits both contemporary and more eclectic interiors.

Craft and origin

Indonesia has a long tradition of wood carving and furniture making, particularly across Java and Bali, where workshops have produced export furniture for decades. The tribal form of this stool draws on that vernacular, geometric, grounded, with a solidity that reads as considered rather than decorative. The slight irregularities from piece to piece are part of what makes solid-wood furniture from this region distinctive.

Living with wood

Wipe with a dry or lightly damp cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can lift a whitewash finish over time, and keep it away from standing water. If the surface dulls, a very light application of clear furniture wax will refresh it without altering the colour. Not intended for outdoor use.

Size and details

Weight: 6.5 kg. Origin: Indonesia. Exact dimensions are not listed, if the fit in a specific space matters, please get in touch before ordering.

A considered gift

A good choice for someone moving into a new home, or for anyone who collects natural-material objects. It is the sort of piece that tends to stay, moving from room to room as the space changes around it.

Common questions

Is it suitable for sitting on?
The stool is solid albasia wood and built to the proportions of a seat, but we do not have a verified load-bearing figure for this piece. If you intend to use it primarily as a seat for adults, please contact us and we will check with the supplier before you order.

Will mine look exactly like the photo?
Solid wood varies from piece to piece in grain pattern and the depth of the whitewash tone. The overall character will be consistent, but no two are identical.

Can it be used outdoors?
No. Albasia with a whitewash finish is an indoor material and will deteriorate if left outside or in a damp environment.